Blake University: HBCU Chronicles Shiloh & Dreux

by Juri Juri Hines

SHILOH GAINES, a divorced English professor at Blake University, has settled into a quiet life of lectures and literature until DREUX WHITAKER, a widowed student with a haunted past, walks into his classroom.
Drawn to the raw emotion in her writing, Shiloh encourages her to enter a prestigious contest, offering mentorship that quickly blurs into something deeper. As Dreux learns to dream again and Shiloh risks everything he’s built, their connection threatens to cross lines neither of them expected.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember my college days

I have fond memories of my college days from both occassions. My second degree I was more Dreux's speed. I was the Momma bear in my cohort- minus falling for my peachy instructors and deans. Overall, I thought Shiloh was destined to meet someone better suited for him. His ex-wife was a piece of work. Their daughter was Dreux's roommate, could this have been a better plot twist, I don't think so... I enjoyed this story immensely. I like grown folks relationship stories.

[KayReads__ · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read by Juri and it didn't disappoint at all. Really enjoyed the relationship between the characters. I hope we get an update with them in future books.

[Just D · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lovely story that I read through rather quickly. The writing was solid, and I immediately connected with the characters. The character development was strong, and I appreciated how well I got to know Shiloh and Dreux as the story progressed. I never had trouble understanding who the characters were and what they stood for. It was an easy read that I finished in one sitting, and I enjoyed it. There are a couple of triggers, but nothing too overwhelming. A new-to-me author, this was a great introduction, and I’ll be looking out for more from Juri Hines!

[Angela Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice very nice

Yes, yes, yes, this standalone is so lit. I cried with my girl when she had to write her short story for the contest. I love Shiloh about her situation and taking her to a place to clear her mind and soul. His ex-wife made me wanna slap the taste buds outta her mouth. She was bitter and jealous of all three of them. She did some stuff in the past and still tried to be grimy to them, and that's before it even went that way. She needs her karma very badly. I would love to have an update on them. U did good on the first book that I read of urs and I'm looking forward to reading more of them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and while eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read

[Twisted Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This felt like more than just a romance—it felt like sitting with two people who were trying to figure out how to live again after loss.
Shiloh and Drew don’t fall into each other in a dramatic or chaotic way. Instead, they recognize something familiar in one another—grief, silence, and the quiet need to start over. That recognition is what made their connection feel real to me. It wasn’t about escaping their past, but learning how to carry it while still allowing something new to grow.
What I appreciated most was the ease of the story. There was no overwhelming conflict, no forced drama—just a steady unfolding of connection, healing, and emotional honesty. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t demand your attention loudly, but instead settles into you slowly… and stays there.

[Taffany Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read

Dreux had gone through some things in life, but Shiloh and Cheyenne were there for her in ways that she truly needed. Trini was the definition of a great best friend. Just as much as Cheyenne helped Dreux, she was there for her. Their dynamic was so special. Shiloh brought out the best of Dreux as a student, writer, friend, and lover. Marcella was cruel and deserved the way Chey treated her. This book was full of happiness. Awesome read!

[Shelima Theresa Maynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Beautiful college love story. I love how Shiloh and Dreux connected through their past experiences. They both needed each other to heal. I felt their love through your words. Great Read!

[Purple Lotus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shiloh and Druski!!

I really enjoyed this book!! As a professor, I had to separate what I know and roll with it LOL as an avid reader, I love watching their love grow. I really loved druski and Chey!! Their relationship was everything. Looking forward to more works from Juri!!

[T K Vaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love After The Pain

Love after the pain!!!…I loved the mature aspect of this story line and Cheyenne’s character was a beautiful addition!!!…
The book brought about pure, raw emotions and how we have a tendency of holding onto to what hurt us, knowing we can’t heal if it’s our crutch!!!…
Professor Shiloh was a breath of fresh air and easy to talk to, he understood the WHOLE assignment and allowed Dreux to share without pushing and he also shared his own story abs now they are a beautiful poem!!!…
I hope there is more for this crew!!!…I wanna see Miss Cheyenne grow!!!…

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stroke of Pen 🖊️

I enjoyed this part of the Blake U series. This was the grown addition. They each helped each other through some tough moments they hadn’t dealt with. Hope to see what’s next for these two.

[LaDonna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juri👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

You’re a new to me author, and let me just say that this won’t be the last of you! This was such a great read in every aspect. Well, except that mama 😑🙄. I definitely wouldn’t mind more from this group.

[lexx t · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Blake University: Shiloh and Dreux felt like getting exactly what I needed. Seeing a woman in her thirties return to school and chase her goals was inspiring and refreshing. Dreux has lived through pain and grief, but she chooses to show up for herself in a way that feels honest and brave. Watching her step into Shiloh Gaines’s English class and push toward something new made me root for her from the very beginning.

Shiloh is the kind of man who starts off feeling like a mentor, but you can sense the deeper connection forming between them. Their chemistry builds slowly in a soft and thoughtful way before it becomes dreamy and a little spicy toward the end. Juri Hines writes their interactions with maturity and warmth, and it makes every moment between them feel intentional. Their romance feels grounded in real emotion rather than fantasy.

What stood out to me most is how the story balances grief with hope. Dreux’s journey feels heartfelt as she turns her hurt into purpose and learns how to reclaim her confidence. This book is more than a campus romance. It is a story about healing, ambition, and believing in yourself again. When I finished it, I felt both uplifted and proud of Dreux for choosing herself every step of the way.

[Sassha Reads❤️❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shiloh and Dreux were so good for each other. They were each other’s healing balm after both losing spouses and their babies. I like the fact that Cheyenne and Dreaux were roommates and already had a friendship before Dreaux found out that Shiloh was Chey’s father. I like the fact that Dreaux best friend, Trini kept in touch with Dreaux’s estranged family and that they were there to support Dreaux when she won the writing contest. Marcella was really a deadbeat parent towards Chey and I have no respect for her especially when she aborted their son just because he had Down syndrome. I hope to hear from these characters again. This was the final book in the series for me and I’m now done with all seventeen books.

[Sisireia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a former English major, Shiloh and Dreux's story was so engaging. Shiloh could definitely make the Book Bae roster as he has everything going for him. He is intelligent, he is in touch with his emotions and he definitely "falls first." Some themes that show up here are child loss, death, divorce. Shiloh is Dreux's professor and recognizes her talent early on. Other than their writing, they are also connected in other ways, which I won't spoil. I was so concerned about these two and the nature of their relationship but this is the type of story that gives you that great "fictional" hope that things can work out and people can live happily ever after. I would definitely recommend reading it and just remember, this is a work of fiction- and a good one at that!

[Lucy Pollard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 3rd read from Juri Hines and she did it again. I love how she introduces characters, tells their story and develops them while maintaining a quick read. Her books are short reads but they are fulfilling and don't feel rushed. Now to Shiloh & Dreux, they draw you in immediately and you are instantly cheering for them. I love how this adult love story unfolds on a college campus. I wish that I had professors who looked like Shiloh in college lol I like that this could story embraces staring over later in life and not letting age keep you from the life you want. I'm looking forward to more works by Juri.

[Dai’ TheBookBae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idk if I’m just emotional or what but lord every time Shiloh talk , I want to cry . To have a man want to pour into you without you even having to do something is just an amazing feeling . He could have really changed once his ex did what she did but he didn’t and still wanted to support Dreux . I also love that she let him , she wasn’t too stubborn and was just ready for the next chapter . I love love love this book and my favorite from the Juri Hines Collection .

Shiloh is MY NEW BOOK BAE . MINNNNE

[Imajin Consulting · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring love story!

Loved the angle of a slightly older student pursuing her dream of finishing school & the natural way Shiloh & Dreux’ love story unfolded. Supporting characters truly added some entertainment as Cheyenne’s personality was fun as the couple found their way & all dealt with past hurts, present challenges of love, school, career & chasing their goals! Enjoyed it❣️📚❣️

[Shallruan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

S & D

Sometimes you don’t need drama or a lot of mess you just need a good old-fashioned love story and that’s exactly what this one was. I love the fact that two grown people knew what they both wanted and didn’t play games about it and just did it. Shiloh and Dreux we absolutely adorable together and I loved Cheyenne she was the best.

[Kim Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swooning

Run don’t walk to buy,read, review and share this awesome book. This book had the best writing I’ve witnessed in a long time. I loved the story line, the characters,etc etc. I got some really great quotes from the book. So many great dynamics were talked about with divorce, loss, rebirth, love. Heck just read it.

[Tommie Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Love to New Love

This was an excellent read ! Girl you bought it to us.
Thanks for showing us a man who believes in expressing love of a woman.
Please keep writing!
I hope we encounter the Professor and Dru again.

[Nicci B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

[Tiffany Joynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adore.

This was so cute. I appreciate black love and black excellence. A couple with heavy stories coming to heal and love one another.

[Kim Melikian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered this series during a stuff your e-reader and I'm glad I clicked on the button. I love this book. Now I need to read the rest of the series.

[Florida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a nice read. I loved both characters and the development of their story

[Kennisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This was a good quick read